08 - Pre-approved Home Designs

It Starts With an Old Idea

The federal government just announced plans for pre-approved designs for houses and low-rise buildings, reminiscent of post-war initiatives that birthed the iconic Victory house models.

This announcement is a game-changer for innovating new housing. It not only mitigates risks and time constraints in property development but also presents an intriguing potential of 6-10% savings on design costs. The real shift, however, lies in providing clarity and reducing uncertainties. Imagine, with one of these pre-approved plans, landowners can swiftly move from vision to budgeting without the initial struggle of "what can I do here." It demystifies the process, serving as a potent motivator for owners and developers alike.

BUT WHAT IF WE AMPLIFY THIS CONCEPT?

Instead of waiting for government directives, picture a private company crafting its plans, grounded in first principles. Imagine considering manufacturing, delivery, and installation from the project's inception—injecting fresh innovations into building science, surpassing code standards, and propelling the industry forward. They kickstart with 8-10 outstanding designs and go further by launching fabrication and installation services, eradicating unknowns and variables.

The other signal here is an appetite for standardized plans. Much like laneway houses were too early 20 years ago and are now all the rage, this could indicate a new shift in the industry.

Consider this as a comprehensive package.

Known Costs

• Development fees, charges and taxes.

• Municipal connections: water, sewer, electricity.

• Build

• Time for build

• Time for approval

Unknown Variables

• Land cost

• Demolition

What if this entire process is bundled into a fixed cost and timeframe package?

Wondering who benefits from this? Read Marie and Joe's story to see how they leveraged this model to secure a new house and create an additional income stream.

Granted, skeptics argue that creating a one-size-fits-all plan isn't feasible. What if, instead, we opt for standard modules and parameters, using tools like Finch to fine-tune the variables?

What inspiration jumps off this idea for you? Share your insights, I can't wait to hear your perspectives!